wheelchair features Flashcards
pneumatic
of or containing gases/ air
if wc is permanent, chair should have:
max function, comfort, stability, safety, and protection of body structures
what components should be taken into consideration when selecting type of wheelchair
disability, functional ability, size, weight, and functional needs or activites, expected use of chiar, and prognosis for change in the patients condition, mental/physical condition, capacity of patient, age
when in proper fit important?
patient has decreased sensory awareness,, limited ability to alter a position, decreased subcutaneous soft tissue (over bony prominence), impaired peripheral circulation in LE, abnormal skin integrity, or if chair is needed for extended periods.
standard adult wheelchair
less than 200 lbs. limited use on rough surface
heavy duty adult wheelchair
more than 200 lbs. or those who perform vigorous activites
intermediate/ junior
smaller than adult, larger than child
growing
permit adjustments in the frame to accommodate growth of user
child/ youth
persons up to age 6
indoor
large drive wheels at front of chair
caster wheels at back
functions in confined areas
difficult to propel or for the user to perform many functional activities
hemiplegic
seat is lowered app. 2 in to better use of LE to propel
lower seat makes standing transfer hard
amputee*
rear wheel axles are positioned app. 2 post. to normal to widen base of support & compensate for loss of the weight of the users LE
one hand drive
2 handrims on 1 drivewheel, 2 drivewheels connected by linkage bar
smaller handrim propels the near drive wheel
large handrim propels the far drive wheel
if both rims move simultaneously- wheels propelled
externally powered
deep-cycle battery system, various types of control to operate the chair (joystick, chin piece, mouth stick)
sports
low profile, low back, canted rear wheels, small hand rims, adjustable axles
used for various sports
reclining
used for persons who need partially or fully recline at some time while in the chair– may be semi or full
semi- 30 degree
fully- all the way to horizontal
reclining must have leg rest and headrests
seat height
heel to popliteal fold, add 2 in to allow clearance of footrest 19.5 to 20.5
seat depth
post. butt, along lateral thigh, to popliteal fold, the subtract 2 in to avoid pressure from the front edge of seat against popliteal space– 16 in
seat width
widest part of butt, hip or thigh and add 2 in– 18 in
back height
seat of the chair to the floor of the axilla with users shoulders flexed to 90 degree and then subtract 4 in.
allows for final back height to be below inferior angle of scapula– 16-16,5 in
armrest height
seat of chair to olecranon process with elbow flexed to 90 degrees and then add approximately 1 in. – 9 in above chair seat
fit confirmation seat height & leg length
hand parallel to floor, insert 2 or 3 fingers lengthwise between post area of patients thigh and seat upholstery to about 2 in deep
foot plate should be 2 in off floor
seat depth
hand parallel to floor, width of 3/4 fingers between edge of seat and popliteal fold
seat width
with your hands vertical to floor, you should be able to place the width of four fingers between the top of back upholstery and floor of the axilla
back height
with your hand vertical to the floor, you should be able to place the width of four fingers between the top of the back upholstery and the floor of the axilla
armrest height
observe angle of posterior upper arm and back post when the elbows rest on armrest approx. 4 in in front of the back post. position of shoulders should be level, trunk should be erect.
adverse effects of improper fit
seat height- bad trunk support, transfer difficulties
seat depth- BOS reduced, increased pressure on ischial tuberosity’s, decrease trunk stability
seat
back height- cant propel chair forward, irritate inferior angle, too low- decreased stability
leg length to low- increase pressure to post thigh distal, to high increase pressure of ischial tuberosity’s.
which ascent of curb in wheel chair is easiest to use
forward, caster wheels up first– provides greatest control of chair and requires least effort by caregiver.
ascending curb backwards
pull rear wheels, then begin 90 degree turn for caster wheels to come up.. more difficult since u must pull the chair up
how should you descend curb?
backwards, pull rear wheels, use thigh against back of chair to slowly lower, begin 90 degrees, keep reclined until caster wheels clear curb.– easiest, more control
